"The one time America has won the Ryder Cup this century came in 2008, when Tiger Woods wasn't playing, " said Colin Montgomerie, who captained Europe to victory in 2010.

WSJ: It's All Down to Ryder Cup Luck

The first four U.S. golfers out had all played well so far in the Ryder Cup. (The really big question is whether Tiger could have made a difference coming out somewhere in the first half of the order).

FORBES: 10 Reasons Why The U.S. Lost The Ryder Cup

The 37-year-old Ryder Cup star needs to finish in the top two to replace Tiger Woods as world number one but ended 10 shots off the pace at two under.

BBC: Lee Westwood bid for world number one hit by injury